Bioinformatics Specialist

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

Position Summary

The Canadian Center for Computational Genomics (C3G) at McGill University offers a stimulating and rewarding working environment, where projects bring concrete contributions to the advancement of research in fields such as human health and the environment. Our team is composed of people who are passionate about what they are doing. We work with data from cutting-edge sequencing technologies using high-performance computing equipment. Learn more about why McGill is an exciting place to work: https://www.mcgill.ca/careers/why-mcgill

Under the supervision of the Bioinformatics Manager, the Bioinformatics Specialist will design and implement advanced data processing workflows and apply statistical and visualization techniques to support the interpretation of biological data for users of the C3G core facility. In addition to providing analytical support, the specialist will contribute to the development of new software tools and training initiatives offered by the facility. This role involves close collaboration with core facility users, junior staff, trainees and other scientists at the McGill Genome Centre. Overall, the specialist will be exposed to a diverse range of cutting-edge molecular assays, innovative bioinformatics methods, and high-performance computing resources within a facility dedicated to high-throughput sequencing and large-scale genomic research.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Support platform users with the design of scientific experiments and analysis plans. 
• Estimate the cost of platform services projects, timelines, and report on progress.
• Advise students and platform junior staff on analytical approaches. Provide support and guidance on appropriate tools to apply and how to interpret the output.
• Participate in the preparation of funding grant applications for collaborative projects the platform is engaged in.
• Manage several analysis and development projects at the same time. 
• On a regular basis, give oral presentations on the progress of projects.
• Identify, investigate and solve user questions and problems. Contribute to problem-solving discussions at the platform.
• Provide detailed reports describing methods and analysis results targeted at an audience of biological scientists.
• Promote platform services through the various channels in place such as the website, email campaigns, or in-person events.
• Leverage existing literature to identify previously successful analytical workflows and stay informed of the most relevant bioinformatics practices.
• Accurately track and report time spent on the different project assignments.
• Provide input for update and extension of the bioinformatics tools and software methods used or developed at the C3G.
• Author scientific publications.

Other Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities

• Strong client-service orientation is essential.
• Proficiency in implementing bioinformatics workflows and related visualizations in R and Python within an HPC environment is a requirement.
• Prior experience in analyzing and interpreting results of various omics data types is needed. This includes RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Methyl-seq and Hi-C.
• A solid understanding of one or more areas of biology, such as cancer, immunology or genetics, is very important.
• Experience working in an industry setting is an asset.
• A good understanding of statistics and key concepts of experimental design is a must.
• Demonstrated experience in managing priorities and setting realistic expectations is expected.
• Experience in lecturing at workshops and tutoring students is desirable.
• Experience in collaborating with biological scientists on omics-intensive research is essential.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Job Profile: